1. About this handbook
This Certification Handbook describes the ISCB® Professional Polygraph Examiner (PPE®) scheme. The technical scheme is single; it is published under two accreditations: ONAC (Colombia) through International Security Certification Board SAS, and ANAB (USA, ID 9115) through International Security Certification Board LLC. It supersedes all prior versions and is effective on its publication date.
2. About ISCB®
International Security Certification Board (ISCB®) is an independent personnel certification body operating in Colombia (ISCB SAS) and the United States (ISCB LLC). Our mission is to certify, under international standards, the technical and ethical competence of polygraph and compliance professionals.
ISCB® operates under an audited ISO/IEC 17024 management system with clear separation between training and assessment, documented impartiality, and multi-stakeholder participation in all schemes.
3. The credential
Professional Polygraph Examiner (PPE®) is the certification for practicing polygraph examiners. It certifies technical, ethical and scientific competence in instrumentation, question formulation, examination conduct and data analysis according to the best practices of the discipline and ISO/IEC 17024.
4. Dual accreditation
One scheme, two accreditation paths
PPE® is offered under two accreditation paths. The body of knowledge, examination structure and technical requirements are equivalent; what changes is the issuing legal entity, the accreditor and the billing currency.
| Path | Issuing entity | Accreditor | Certificate name |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONAC | ISCB SAS · Colombia | ONAC · ISO/IEC 17024:2012 | Examinador Poligráfico Profesional |
| ANAB | ISCB LLC · USA | ANAB · ID 9115 | PPE® · Professional Polygraph Examiner |
Selection depends on the candidate's jurisdiction and intended professional scope. Global candidates typically choose the ANAB path; Colombia-based candidates serving local regulated entities often prefer the ONAC path.
5. Scheme Committee
The PPE® scheme is governed by the ISCB® Scheme Committee, comprising certified polygraph examiners, employer representatives (public and private security), academia and psychophysiology researchers. The Committee approves the occupational profile, body of knowledge and assessment mechanisms, and reviews scheme validity annually.
6. Eligibility requirements
- University degree (any discipline).
- Basic polygraph training from a recognized school (minimum 320 academic hours).
- Minimum of 200 polygraph examinations conducted as primary examiner.
- At least 2 years of active professional practice.
- Acceptance of the ISCB® and APA Code of Ethics.
7. Body of knowledge (BoK)
The examination assesses the following domains, derived from the ISCB® P-EEP-02 scheme:
- Physiological and psychophysiological foundations of the polygraph examination.
- Polygraph instrumentation and quality control.
- Evidence-based examination techniques (CQT, DLST, AFMGQT, MGQT, ESS).
- Test-question construction and pretest interview.
- Numerical scoring and automated algorithms (OSS-3, ESS).
- Ethics, chain of custody and legal admissibility.
- Countermeasures: detection and handling.
8. Application process
- Select the accreditation path (ONAC via ISCB SAS or ANAB via ISCB LLC).
- Submit application with supporting documentation (F-CER-02, résumé, diplomas, polygraph-school certifications, evidence of 200 examinations).
- Document review by the ISCB® Certification team.
- Admission notification and signature of the certification agreement (F-CER-01).
- Fee payment and exam scheduling.
- Delivery of the proctored theoretical examination and peer review of the practical portfolio.
- Certificate issuance upon passing, with verifiable registry number.
9. Fees
| Path | Full certification | Retake | Currency and billing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONAC · ISCB SAS | COP 650.000 + IVA | Not available — new cycle | Colombian pesos (COP) · ISCB SAS |
| ANAB · ISCB LLC | ≈ USD 950 | Contact ISCB for current policy | US dollars (USD) · ISCB LLC |
Fees are reviewed annually. Each path invoices under the corresponding entity (ISCB SAS for ONAC, ISCB LLC for ANAB).
10. Examination
Format and duration
Theoretical component: 150 multiple-choice questions (3 hours). Practical component: peer review of a portfolio of 5 de-identified real cases, graded against the ISCB® rubric. Both components must be passed.
Minimum passing score
75% on the theoretical component. The practical component is graded pass / fail against the competency rubric. The theoretical cut score is technically determined using the modified Angoff method (P-CER-02).
Delivery and proctoring
The theoretical component is delivered online via live remote proctoring through the official ISCB® proctoring partner (the same provider for both accreditation paths). The practical portfolio is submitted through the portal and assigned to two independent peer assessors.
Scheduling and rescheduling
Scheduling is done through the ISCB® portal. Rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours before the appointment without penalty.
Cancellation and no-show
No-show without documented justification within the next 14 days counts as a consumed attempt.
11. Scoring and results
Theoretical results are notified within 10 business days after the exam. The practical portfolio is adjudicated within 20 business days. The report indicates the overall outcome (pass / fail) and domain-level performance. Specific item content is not disclosed, consistent with the exam security policy.
12. Retake policy
The ONAC path (ISCB SAS) does not offer a retake fee: a failing result requires a full new certification cycle. The retake policy for the ANAB path (ISCB LLC) is published in the candidate portal at exam time.
13. Recertification
The PPE® credential is valid for 5 years. It is maintained by earning 80 continuing-education credits, sustaining a minimum annual caseload, and complying with the Code of Ethics. Ethical violations may lead to suspension or revocation.
14. Code of Ethics
Every candidate and certified professional accepts and is bound by the ISCB® Code of Ethics and APA ethical principles: professional integrity, impartiality, examinee confidentiality, prohibition of undisclosed conflicts of interest, correct use of the trademark, and cooperation with internal investigations.
15. Appeals and complaints
Any candidate or third party may file an appeal against a certification decision or a complaint about a certified professional's conduct. The appeal window is 30 calendar days from decision notice. Appeals are resolved by an independent committee within 90 days. Procedures are documented in P-CER-04.
16. Privacy and data protection
Depending on the path: ISCB SAS processes personal data in accordance with Colombian Law 1581/2012; ISCB LLC operates under US federal and state law. Full policies are published at ecertify.org.
17. Non-discrimination and accessibility
ISCB® provides equal access to the certification process without discrimination based on race, gender, orientation, religion, nationality, disability or other status. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations may request them at the time of application.